14
REFLECTIONS
ON A YEAR AS A
Over the past twelve months , our ten # ShePaddles Ambassadors have been doing an amazing job banging the drum for female participation in paddlesport and introducing more women to life on the water . As we prepare to welcome the next cohort of # ShePaddles Ambassadors to the British Canoeing fold , we hear the reflections of some of our 2020 Ambassadors .
Kirstie Macmillan
“ It has been a real privilege to be a British Canoeing # ShePaddles Ambassador in what has been a very challenging year .
Photo Credit : Martin Harrall
“ I ’ ve been inspired and enlightened by the stories and achievements of so many female paddlers ; from absolute beginners to Olympic champions .
“ My own journey continues in the pursuit of becoming a sea kayak leader : developing skills , encountering incredible wildlife and being humbled by the challenging nature of the ocean environment .
“ I would say that whatever your aspirations are , go for it and if you need help , support and inspiration , the paddling community is there to support you ! “
Photo Credit : Mark Lampard , Cumbria Canoeists
Julie Vigor
“ You might think that , at 57 , I may be planning my retirement . Actually I ’ m planning a new career move ! This year has been a revelation , an amazing wake-up call that has made me realise what I really want in life .
“ Although I had qualified as a Paddlesport Instructor , I was always rather reluctant to take a lead role .
Becoming a British Canoeing # ShePaddles Ambassador and meeting an incredible group of amazing women , I ’ ve been inspired to explore the possibility of becoming a British Canoeing Coach . www . britishcanoeing . org . uk
“ In the past 12 months I have concentrated on my education in paddlesports . I ’ ve attended over 20 courses , qualified as a Sheltered Water SUP Coach and I ’ m working towards becoming a White Water Coach in both SUP and Open Canoe .
“ I will soon launch my own coaching business , Phoenix Paddlesport where the emphasis will be on ‘ wellbeing through watersport ’ and helping people to find their passion through paddlesport .
“ Prior to becoming a # ShePaddles Ambassador , I didn ’ t have a lot of self confidence , but over the past 12 months , this has changed . My passion for paddlesport continues to grow and life just gets better and better .”